The League Managers Association (LMA) reports that Martin Allen has today been cleared of charges of racial misconduct, following a very detailed investigation by Cheltenham Town FC.
It has been agreed between Martin and the Club, however, that it is not now practical for Martin to return to the Club. Martin therefore steps down as manager from today, and will receive undisclosed compensation under his contract.
Martin Allen stated;
"Naturally I am very pleased with the outcome in terms of being found innocent of the charges but it is unfortunate that it has not been possible for me to remain at the club as manager. I would like to thank Cheltenham for giving me a fair hearing and the LMA for all of their support, including the legal team at Russell Jones & Walker, during this difficult period.
I wish to reiterate that these allegations were untrue, deeply hurtful and upsetting to me. What I want now is to put this unfortunate incident behind me and concentrate all my efforts on pursuing my career in professional football management with my reputation intact and my head held high.”
Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA said;
“The LMA shares Martin’s disappointment that he is leaving Cheltenham, but he leaves the football club without a stain on his character. The allegations made against Martin were not only without foundation but profoundly offensive and upsetting.
Over this period, Martin has been extremely distressed by these untrue accusations. Whilst he is very pleased to have been cleared by both the Police and Cheltenham Town, following thorough investigations, he is keen to now get back to doing what he loves and knows best, managing a football team.
Football managers are figures in the public eye and it is all too easy for untrue accusations to be made which can unfairly damage reputations.
Martin has always had an exemplary record of dealing with players of all ethnic origins and has been a committed champion of the Kick Racism out of Football campaign for many years.”
In Allen's abscence Ex-Walsall assistant manager John Schofield has been taking charge of first team affairs and he has been invited by the Cheltenham board to submit his application for the role on a permanent basis.
Schofield joined Cheltenham on an expenses only basis this season before being rewarded with a contract after impressing. However recent form has been dire with only 1 win in the last 14 games:
| Sat 19 Sep | Rotherham United | H | League | D 1-1 | Alsop 85 | 3,088 | Tbl | |
| Sat 26 Sep | Aldershot Town | A | League | L 1-4 | Richards 65p | 2,964 | Tbl | |
| Tue 29 Sep | Shrewsbury Town | H | League | L 1-2 | Hayles 60 | 2,928 | Tbl | |
| Sat 03 Oct | Notts. County | H | League | D 1-1 | Hammond 75 | 4,134 | Tbl | |
| Sat 10 Oct | Accrington Stanley | A | League | L 0-4 | 1,843 | Tbl | ||
| Fri 16 Oct | Macclesfield Town | H | League | L 1-2 | Hammond 69 | 2,930 | Tbl | |
| Sat 24 Oct | Port Vale | A | League | D 1-1 | Pook 66 | 4,979 | Tbl | |
| Sat 31 Oct | Crewe Alexandra | H | League | L 0-4 | 3,124 | Tbl | ||
| Sat 07 Nov | Torquay United | A | F.A. Cup | L 1-3 | Lewis 8 | 2,370 | ||
| Sat 14 Nov | Lincoln City | A | League | D 1-1 | Richards 12 | 3,008 | Tbl | |
| Sat 21 Nov | Morecambe | A | League | L 0-1 | 1,567 | Tbl | ||
| Tue 24 Nov | Barnet | H | League | W 5-1 | Gallinagh 21; Marshall 37,86; Richards 55; Yakubu 88og |
2,331 | Tbl | |
| Tue 01 Dec | Torquay United | A | League | L 0-3 | 2,122 | Tbl | ||
| Sat 05 Dec | Northampton Town | H | League | D 2-2 | Hayles 22,30 | 2,824 | Tbl |
This leaves 'The Robins' in 20th spot, far too close to the drop zone for comfort